National Disability Employment Awarness month Published Oct. 27, 2015 By Lt. Col. Michael Samuel II 91st Missile Wing Inspector General MINOT AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. -- This month is National Disability Employment Awareness Month, an annual awareness campaign that takes place each October. The purpose of National Disability Employment Awareness Month is to educate about disability employment issues and celebrate the many and varied contributions of America's workers with disabilities. This year's theme is "My disability is one part of who I am." The history of National Disability Employment Awareness Month traces back to 1945, when Congress enacted a law declaring the first week in October each year "National Employ the Physically Handicapped Week." In 1962, the word "physically" was removed to acknowledge the employment needs and contributions of individuals with all types of disabilities. In 1988, Congress expanded the week to a month and changed the name to National Disability Employment Awareness Month. "This year's theme encapsulates the important message that people with disabilities are just that -- people," said Jennifer Sheehy, acting assistant secretary of labor for disability employment policy. "And like all people, we are the sum of many parts, including our work experiences. Disability is an important perspective we bring to the table, but of course it's not the only one." You can learn more about how to participate in National Disability Employment Awareness Month and ways they can promote its messages during October, and throughout the year, by visiting www.dol.gov/ndeam.